The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet novel Chapter 1097

Zane ushered Thalassa into the photo studio.

The crew had everything set up and ready to roll. The makeup artist had worked her magic on the models, who were now being directed by the photographer to take their places on the set, posing with smartphones in hand.

The moment the model stepped onto the stage, the spotlights hit her face, revealing a heavy layer of foundation that sat on her skin like a freshly plastered wall. Her eyelids were painted in stark yellow and green, her lashes as long as paintbrush bristles, and her lips were coated in a garish shade of red.

She looked more like a clown than anything else, and the bright lights only intensified the effect, casting a ghoulish aura around her. Her natural features were buried beneath the makeup; it was impossible to discern what she actually looked like.

Thalassa caught sight of the model and blinked in shock. "Is this really the look for a smartphone ad? It's downright terrifying," she whispered to Zane.

"You don't know the half of it," Zane replied with a grin. "Our tagline this time is: 'Don't judge until you see the whole picture. With a Crawley smartphone, you capture the real you!'"

Half-understanding, Thalassa mused, "So, the model will wash off the makeup to reveal her true self later on?"

Zane gave her a thumbs-up. "Ms. Everhart, sharp as ever."

Thalassa chuckled but remained silent. Advertising wasn't her forte, and she preferred not to comment further.

The shoot kicked off with the model making all sorts of exaggerated, comical faces that could make one question the meaning of life. Suddenly, someone tossed her the new Crawley smartphone. She examined the phone briefly.

"Cut! That's a wrap for the clown makeup. Let's go for a more natural look," the photographer announced.

The makeup artist sprang into action, removing layers of makeup and prepping the model for her next appearance. It was only then that Thalassa could see the model's true appearance.